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Your Observer

    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 3, 2024
Sarasota man arrested for soliciting sex and child neglect

A man armed with a sword was arrested for child neglect and soliciting sex from a Sarasota police officer during an undercover operation.

  • Sarasota
  • News
How little has changed
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • January 3, 2024
How little has changed

A new year is a time for optimism. But four books remind us the fight for liberty is forever. "Never give in."

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Lakewood Ranch High boys golfer Parker Severs finished second individually at the Class 3A state tournament in 2023.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 3, 2024
10 East County athletes to watch in 2024

These athletes combine natural talent and diligence to excel in their respective sports.

  • East County
  • Sports
Events of a Lifetime Productions planned a donor season kickoff party for the Van Wezel Foundation.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • January 3, 2024
Event planner to bring extravagant experiences to Longboat Key

New resident Gillian Marto brings her award-winning event-planning business to the island to provide unforgettable events for Longboaters.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Gary Hagen
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • January 3, 2024
Cheesecake mogul to open new dessert cafe on Longboat Key

Gary Hagen brings his big Hollywood cheesecake shop to Whitney Plaza to provide a hub for good eats and good times.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Sisterhood for Good is a group of women who have joined together to make philanthropy affordable.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 3, 2024
Sisterhood for Good makes philanthropy affordable

The Lakewood Ranch nonprofit shows how powerful a group of women can be when they combine forces for a cause.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A former Easterseals client uses the VR technology.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 3, 2024
Sarasota nonprofits serving people with disabilities harness virtual reality

Rise Up Cafe and Easterseals Southwest Florida have partnered with the local tech company Virtical.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Man goes 'Loko' outside a downtown Sarasota office building
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 3, 2024
Man goes 'Loko' outside a downtown Sarasota office building

A subject exposes himself to the world after being told not to loiter at the building's entrance. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Dr. Marty Reichgut
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 3, 2024
Sarasota tai chi instructor spurs others to find their potential

Instructor Marty Reichgut, 85, says that thanks to the form of martial arts, he's more agile now than he was as a teenager.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Danielle Dosne says learning about the muscles can help prevent injuries.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 3, 2024
Lakewood Ranch bodybuilder gives tips to those making fitness resolutions

Danielle Dosne began bodybuilding after a scoliosis diagnosis, and it turned into a lifetime of fitness.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
This home at 109 N. Warbler Lane has two bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,627 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • January 3, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for Dec. 11-22 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key

A Bird Key home on Warbler Lane tops the week's sales at $3.7 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
    In Memoriam |
  • January 2, 2024
Phillip J. Kreis, Jr.

Phillip J. Kreis, Jr. of Sarasota, FL and formerly of Pittsburgh, PA and Longboat Key, FL passed away on December 18, 2023.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
    In Memoriam |
  • January 2, 2024
Jane Coxe Bassett Shellhamer Oaks

Jane Coxe Bassett Shellhamer Oaks passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family at St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis, IN on December 20, 2023.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Chuck Muth
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 2, 2024
Local fashion brands highlight Bird Key Yacht Club fashion show

Tweeds and Camilyn Beth decked out club members for the end-of-year event.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The SMN-Sarasota Campus labor and delivery team.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 2, 2024
Sarasota's first baby of 2024 arrives at SMH

A girl was born at Sarasota Memorial Hospital at 1:56 a.m. Jan. 1.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
This Mill Creek home at 1808 141st St. E. sold for $1.2 million.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • January 2, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for Dec. 11-22 in Lakewood Ranch

A Lake Club home on Salerno Drive tops the week's sales at $2.8 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Civil disturbance between homeowner and cleaner raises suspicions
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • January 2, 2024
Civil disturbance between homeowner and cleaner raises suspicions

A cleaner returned to a resident’s property after a check for payment failed to clear. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Sandra Frank
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 2, 2024
All Faiths Food Bank CEO leaves behind bigger, stronger nonprofit

Sandra Frank, who helped grow the food bank, will retire after 12 years with the organization.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
10 Longboat Key projects to watch in 2024
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • January 2, 2024
10 Longboat Key projects to watch in 2024

Islandwide transit, a vacant commission seat and beach erosion are just a few of the issues on tap for Longboat in 2024.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The bar at Ventura's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar at its November 2022 opening.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • January 2, 2024
Restaurateur celebrates one-year anniversary of Ventura's on Longboat Key

Debra Murphy accomplishes her lifelong dream of opening a restaurant — Ventura’s Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar — that serves as an outlet for her interests.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
The Mote Science Education Aquarium will be 110,000 square feet. Interior work will speed forward approximately in July.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 2, 2024
Construction speeds forward on Mote SEA with 2025 expected opening

Mote Science Education Aquarium construction should be complete around Thanksgiving with doors of the facility near University Town Center and Nathan Benderson Park opening in February 2025.

  • East County
  • News
Isabelle Monroe, a senior at Lakewood Ranch High School, loves showing cows at the Manatee County Fair. She names each of her cows after a car part of maker.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 2, 2024
Students pick the perfect name for their Manatee County Fair animals

Whether it's for laughs, a reference to a favorite food or a tradition, students put thought into picking an animal's name.

  • East County
  • Schools
Gina Lyons, the owner of A Vine Affair which hosts the new VIP Champagne Lounge at the Sarasota Polo Club, greets guests on opening day Dec. 31.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 1, 2024
Sarasota Polo Club opens 2024 season with new VIP section

A Vine Affair offers a more formal setting for those who want to enjoy polo in style at the Lakewood Ranch club.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Daimy Sainz rides a mechanical bull.
    By
  • James Peter
  • January 1, 2024
Sarasota rings in 2024 with downtown block party

Carnival rides, amusements and mechanical bulls entertained all ages on New Year's Eve.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Save these dates in 2024 for Longboat Key events
    By
  • James Peter
  • January 1, 2024
Save these dates in 2024 for Longboat Key events

You won't want to miss any of these happenings on the Key.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Lorenzo Condensa, Justina Carter and Chris Carter.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • January 1, 2024
Coffee shop owners look to expand their Longboat Key business

Chris Carter, Justina Carter and Lorenzo Condensa spend most days at their coffee shop, Sips. A year of success has allowed them consider a new business venture.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Cedric Mullins is the Orioles' starting centerfielder and a great defensive player.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 1, 2024
What our Sarasota sports columnist can't wait to cover in 2024

Big-time national events and intriguing high school sports storylines fill the calendar.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Seven roundabouts will be installed on State Road 70.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 1, 2024
Major East County road projects to progress in 2024

Seven roundabouts will be installed on State Road 70, and Lena Road will be expanded to connect S.R. 70 and S.R. 64.

  • East County
  • News
Scott Gutschewski holds up the 2023 LECOM Suncoast Classic trophy.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 31, 2023
Lakewood Ranch sports scene should generate lots of excitement in 2024

Big-time national events and intriguing local storylines fill the calendar.

  • East County
  • Sports
Native landscape education program to begin at Celery Fields
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 31, 2023
Native landscape education program to begin at Celery Fields

Monthly classes are offered at Celery Fields by Sarasota Audubon Society and Serenoa Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society.

  • Sarasota
  • News
New owner brings caregiving experience to Longboat Massage
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • December 30, 2023
New owner brings caregiving experience to Longboat Massage

After two car accidents, Maritza Rocha learned about the healing power of touch.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
New York trumpet player and Sarasota Jazz Festival Music Director Terell Stafford performs March 17, 2023, at the Sarasota Jazz Festival.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 30, 2023
Don't miss these Sarasota events in 2024

Sarasota offers events to suit many interests in 2024.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Lakewood Ranch Elks Co-event Chairs Faith Frost and Darrin Simone show Susan Goodman of the Myakka City Methodist Church some of the 10,000 toys they collected from Walgreen's stores during the Community Gift Drive.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 30, 2023
Walgreens, Lakewood Ranch Elks collect over 10,000 toys for children

More than 10,000 toys were collected from 25 Walgreens stores in the region as part of the Mighty Southwest District's Community Gift Drive of the Florida State Elks Association.

  • East County
  • News
Nathan Benderson hosted its annual fireworks display the night before the Fourth of July in 2023.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • December 29, 2023
Put these can't-miss East County events on your calendar for 2024

Save the date of these 15 events that will lead to a memorable 2024 in east Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Brian Walton during his first week of new executive director of Save Our Seabirds
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • December 29, 2023
New executive director has big plans for Save Our Seabirds' future

Brian Walton is using his previous nonprofit expertise to update systems at the City Island nonprofit and involve it in more community events.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Stories from Longboater's father inspire new book
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • December 29, 2023
Stories from Longboater's father inspire new book

Longboat Key resident Barbara Mishkin's new children's book, "TIP's Magical Journey: The Ride of Discovery and Inspiration," has received multiple awards.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
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Latest News

1
Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
  • December 21, 2025
Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
2
Sue Wertman has rung the bell outside the Publix on Longboat Key on behalf of the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key since 2013.
  • December 21, 2025
Longest-serving Longboat bellringer attributes motivation to family
3
Sarasota Memorial Hospital's Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute.
  • December 21, 2025
SMH participates in global bladder cancer treatment clinical trial
4
Santa greets visitors from the window of 9605 Governor's Club Place in The River Club.
  • December 20, 2025
Christmas decorating isn't just for kids
5
The Family Church caroling crew from left to right is Melody Johnson, Laurie Houston, Nancy Pilato, Pastor Phil Derstine and Terrial Robinson.
  • December 20, 2025
East Manatee church members will go through bars to spread Christmas joy

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